By the way, if you have a specific question about a stroke of yours or would like some ideas on how best to fix a particular stroke, drop me a line at paulfiala@sbcglobal.net and I'll see what I can do.

Forehand Quick Fixes

When teaching the forehand to students, it is clear that 90% of players favor that side even though it is mechanically a very complicated stroke to time properly.  The two major problems that occur on that side of the body are:

#1 Problem.  Contacting the ball too close to the body.

#2 Problem.  Allowing the "off hand" to get in the way - crossing in front of the body as the swing tries to go forward.

Here's a nice way to fix the problems.

#1 Fix:  If you're consistently hitting the ball too close to you, you'll feel it as a cramped feeling as you try to swing.  Make a conscious effort as the ball is coming to your forehand to "get away" from the ball - which can be done by adding a straight arm pointing technique during your preparation.  See below:

#2 Fix:  If you're having trouble rotating thru the forehand, check your "off" arm (left arm for righties)....where does it go when you swing the racket thru the shot?  If it crosses in front of you during the swing, then it is effectively blocking you from hitting an effortless stroke.  Try this - catch the racket with your off hand on the follow-thru.  This will time the rotation of your shoulders properly and get the off hand out of the way.  See below:

Good luck